Automation and Globalization

The threat of the "rogue state" mentioned in the movie is their access to "fifth-generation fighters" and an "unsanctioned uranium enrichment plant". Both of which are both globalized technologies, because this technology has been shared across the world. This reflects the current global climate where advanced weapons and technology can spread across borders and pose a serious threat when in hands you don't trust.

The Admirals in the movie argue that the F-35 and pilots like Maverick are no longer relevant because soon, unmanned drones can be built anywhere and flown from anywhere, making human pilots irrelevant. This is the summation of a globalized, automated military-industrial complex, where unmanned drones can be built and flown anywhere posing a threat around the world.